#1: Stinky Heater… Author: James_sinovi, Location: ManchesterPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 3:10 pm ---- Bought my 206 about 6 months ago and it had just had the heater matrix replaced due to the old one leaking. When blowing hot air it makes a stink that is hard to describe but is kind of chemically/stale. At first I thought it would wear off but while not as potent it’s still pretty strong. The car also suffers from condensation and using the heater sometimes seems to make it worse.
My theory is that there is still some water and antifreeze left in the heater matrix/blower housing, from the previous leak, and when it gets warm some evaporates making the stink. I don’t think the current matrix is leaking because it’s not using much coolant.
Does the above sound plausible? Anyone else had a similar problem or any ideas on how to cure it?
Thanks
#2: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: vanman_foci, Location: Barry, South WalesPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 3:14 pm ---- Could be bacteria in the system.
#3: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: Mrs_Howey, Location: WorthingPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 4:13 pm ---- Have you checked under your backseats, as it's a fairly common thing to have water under the seat from either the boot or rear windows seals leaking, this can course condentation
#4: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: kingdom200, Location: Leamington SpaPosted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 6:56 pm ---- it probs is the water/antifreeze ... mine smells like vomit!!! lol i never used it hardly because the car got cleaned more than 1 time a week and now im scared to ever use it lol
#5: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: E5GDM, Location: EssexPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:24 am ----
vanman_foci wrote:
Could be bacteria in the system.
Grab one of these.
Follow the instructions
Jobs a goodun
That's for air conditioning units, the heater matrix is part of the sealed heating system so I don't think its the right thing.
#6: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: E5GDM, Location: EssexPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 12:30 am ----
James_sinovi wrote:
I don’t think the current matrix is leaking because it’s not using much coolant.
How much is not much? As it shouldn't really be loosing any. You might still have a leak somewhere.
#7: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: James_sinovi, Location: ManchesterPosted: Sun Dec 05, 2010 7:16 am ---- Thanks for the replies, E5GDM by not much I mean the coolant level has dropped 1 / 2 cm in the expansion tank (checked when cold) over the last 4 months and probably 3-3.5k miles. So if there is a leak it must be very small.
I have the week before Christmas off work so will probably just spend a day to drain coolant and remove the heater matrix to see if this sheads any light. Think that might be the only way to get to the bottom of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the garage that replaced it haven’t done a good job their invoice is hand written and simply reads “replace heater matrix, paid cash”. Plus some of the screws/bolts holding the matrix and its hosing are badly rounded off
I will also have a check around for any signs of rainwater leaking in to see if this is making the condensation worse.
Thanks again
#8: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: luvpug, Location: EnglandPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:44 pm ---- Just had my heater matrix done too and I get that muddy cloudy smell. Its just because its new... give it a while its normal. I got bigger problems with mine! I got a sloshing water sound when i rev coming from the new matrix which you'd think is just an airlock, but took it back to Peugeot and there's no air whatsoever! The technicians are all baffled! So am i! Anyone got any ideas????
#9: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: mjsroofing, Location: south walesPosted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:01 pm ---- it was the matrix rad leaking in my escort van, smelt like cats p**s
#10: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: James_sinovi, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:48 am ---- Yeah I thought it might be because it’s new but it was replaced 10 months ago now! The smell has reduced with use but its definitely still there and is normally at its worst when the heater is first turned on. Condensation has got worse, it’s like driving a cloud and therefore have to have the stinky heather on max just to see out.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to look at this over Christmas, as I’ve not been in the best health, but maybe get round to it in January.
#11: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: MrBSI, Location: What's it to you? ? ?Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:12 am ----
James_sinovi wrote:
Yeah I thought it might be because it’s new but it was replaced 10 months ago now! The smell has reduced with use but its definitely still there and is normally at its worst when the heater is first turned on. Condensation has got worse, it’s like driving a cloud and therefore have to have the stinky heather on max just to see out.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to look at this over Christmas, as I’ve not been in the best health, but maybe get round to it in January.
You tried changing the pollen filter?
#12: Re: Stinky Heater… Author: Mike, Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 9:21 am ----
I had thought about it but decided against becuase all the air to the cabin goes through the pollen filter, but the air is fine from the vents when blowing cold and the smell only occurs as soon as it's set to warm. Plus the smell is still present with the controls set to in car circulation (am I right in thinking this wont pass through the pollen filter?)
Might give it a try though as it can't do any harm plus its due for renewal soon anyway.
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